Old North Church, Boston: Ticket prices, hours & visitor guide (2026)

Plan your visit to Boston’s Old North Church. This 2026 visitor guide covers lantern history, ticket prices, opening hours, and hidden crypt tours.

The Old North Church is the oldest standing church in the city, and alongside the Old South Meeting House and Old State House, it’s one of the key stops on Boston‘s Freedom Trail. The church is most famous for the signal lanterns that sparked the American Revolution. Visitors can expect to see original colonial box pews and a historic crypt. Built in 1723, it remains a working Episcopal parish today.

When I saw the steeple, I felt a chill. It is where the “one if by land, two if by sea” signal began. The interior is a stark, bright white. It feels remarkably peaceful despite the city noise outside. I found the wooden angels by the organ quite striking.

Old North Church: Quick overview

Admission to the Old North Church costs $5.00. The church is open to the public from 10:00 to 17:00. You can find it on Salem Street in the North End. Special tours of the crypt or bell gallery cost an additional fee.

Old North Church: Ticket costs

The pricing is quite modest for such a major landmark. This caught me off guard as many churches are free. However, the fee helps maintain the ancient timber structure. I checked the rates at the entrance recently.

They do not accept cash payments for tickets. You must pay by credit or debit card. There is no separate fee for the historic gardens on site.

Old North Church: Free entry

The church is not free for sightseeing. However, you can enter for free during Sunday services. You should not wander the aisles during worship.

If you are a local resident, ask about community days. Members of the military often receive a discount. Otherwise, the $5.00 fee is the standard rate.

Old North Church: Opening times

The church follows a seasonal schedule, and is closed in winter. I recommend checking the official website before you arrive.

• Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 to 17:00
• Sunday: 12:30 to 17:00
• Monday: Closed

The site closes for weddings and funerals. It also shuts on major holidays. Arrive before 16:45 for the final admission.

Old North Church: Booking tickets

You do not need to book general admission in advance. I simply walked in on a Tuesday morning. The queue was very short.

However, you must book the crypt tour online. These tours are small and sell out fast. If you want to see the graves, plan ahead.

Old North Church: Historical context

The church opened its doors in 1723. It was designed to resemble the churches of Christopher Wren. In 1775, two lanterns were hung in the steeple.

This signaled that the British were crossing the water. Paul Revere saw the lights and began his ride. The church has survived fires and storms for three centuries. It is a cornerstone of the Freedom Trail.

Old North Church: What to see

The sanctuary is the main draw. It is filled with unique architectural details.

• The Box Pews: High-walled seats that kept colonial families warm.
• The Crypt: A brick basement holding 1,100 burials.
• The Organ: A beautiful instrument from 1759.
• The Bells: The first change-ringing bells in North America.

Old North Church: Ticket inclusions

Your five-dollar ticket covers several items:

• Access to the historic nave and pews.
• Entry to the on-site museum and gift shop.
• Use of a self-guided audio tour app.
• Access to the memorial gardens.

Old North Church: Nearby sites

Copp’s Hill Burying Ground (0.1 miles, 2 min walk) – An ancient cemetery with harbour views.

Paul Revere House (0.3 miles, 6 min walk) – The original home of the patriot.

Skinny House (0.1 miles, 2 min walk) – A curious narrow home built out of spite. You can view it from the street.

USS Constitution (0.6 miles, 12 min walk) – The famous naval ship in Charlestown.

Faneuil Hall (0.6 miles, 12 min walk) – A major meeting hall and market. It is a central part of history.

Other good reasons to visit Boston are the JFK Presidential Library, the Back Bay neighbourhood and a Harvard University walking tour in Cambridge.

Practical tips

• Location: It is in the North End. Follow the red brick line.
• Time needed: Allow 45 minutes for a full visit.
• Photography: You can take photos without a flash. Do not photograph people praying.
• Dress code: There is no code. However, it is an active church.
• Accessibility: The main floor is accessible. The crypt has narrow, steep stairs.
• Crowds: It is very busy on Saturdays. Visit on a weekday for more peace.

FAQs

More Massachusetts travel

Other Massachusetts travel articles on Planet Whitley include:

• A first time visitor’s guide to Salem, Massachusetts.
• Discovering the story of baseball, starting at Fenway Park.
• What to expect at the Salem Witch Museum.
• Guide to visiting Hopkinton State Park.
• Why leaf-peeping is not just for old people.